What are 'PUPs'? - How to avoid & remove them!
PUPs - Potentially Unwanted Programs:
Is a 'type' of malicious software that act's like a Virus / Spyware that usually contains a Keylogger, Dialer, and similar type of software that is used to steal data & personal information about you any anyone else who uses your personal and business computer, You never want to have this on your computer.
How to detect it:
#1 - Detection via 'Task Manager'
You can most often check your Task Manager ( taskmgr.exe ) and look for unknown and suspicious processes in which you know it is not any of your normal applications running or activated in the background of your computer.
#2 - Detection via 'Install Programs'
You can also look through your 'Add and Remove Programs' / Installed Program list to check for software that looks iffy & strange to you that you believe may be a PUP and check the name or process here - Computer Hope or Process Library.
How to remove it:
#1 - Terminating the Malware Processes
- Download & Run: RKill
- Allow administrator permissions if needed.
- Let it scan & do whatever it needs to do.
#2 - Deleting the PUP Software
- Download & Run: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Click the 'Scan' Tab at the top.
- Perform a Full System scan.
- Remove & Quarantine anything it has found at the end of the scan.
#3 - Removing the 'Remnants'
- Download & Run: HitmanPro
- Click the 'Next' button when program is started.
- Perform a Full System scan.
- Activate the trial at the end (It's Free!)
- Remove & Quarantine everything it has found at the end of the scan.
#4 - Finishing the Removal Process
- Download & Run: Junkware Removal Tool
- 'Press any key to continue...' (Start the scan)
- At the main end it will remove everything it has found.
#5 - Cleaning Up & Fixing any errors
Usually when you have any certain type of malicious content on your system it is known to leave registry errors when you remove it & for it to leave some junk behind also.
Usually when you have any certain type of malicious content on your system it is known to leave registry errors when you remove it & for it to leave some junk behind also.
- Install & Run: Glary Utilities
- Click the '1-Click Maintenance' Tab up at top.
- Make sure to check the following:
- Registry Cleaner ;
- Shortcuts Fixer ;
- Spyware Remover ;
- Disk Repair ;
- Tracks Eraser ;
- Temporary Files Cleaner ;
- Startup Manager ; - Click the 'Scan for Issues' Button
- Repair every problem it has found.
Tips & Advice on how to avoid PUPs:
- Don't ever click advertisements unless you Know you can trust them.
- Never download any toolbars or extensions that sites want you to install.
- Try to avoid suspicious looking Emails.
- Use official download sites; Besides Ninite.
- Use a good AV & Anti-Malware Program.
- Beware of Third-Party Sites & Downloads.
- Learn to safe browse; Use these browser addons to help:
- WOT (Web of Trust) ;
- NoScript or SafeScript ;
- Adblock Plus ;
